A new gas pipeline measuring just over half a mile long is set to be installed in Ulverston next year. 

Cadent Gas has submitted a Compulsory Purchase Order for land along Ulverston canal.

It plans to install a new gas pipeline which will supply tens of thousands of homes with work beginning in 2024.

There are 21,000 miles of distribution pipes under North West England, and this includes a section of pipeline that runs alongside Ulverston Canal.

The Whassett to Barrow High Pressure Gas Pipeline is a key pipeline, relied on by tens of thousands of homes – from Ulverston to Barrow – for warmth in the colder months of the year. Around 80 per cent of homes in this area have gas central heating. 

Cadent says its assessments have identified a need to move it away from its current location, which is within the towpath adjacent to Ulverston Canal. 

A spokesperson said: "Assessments in recent years have identified a need to move a 850 metre section of our pipeline away from the canal to protect its integrity.

"Our proposal is to divert the existing pipeline section by installing a new 850 metre section of pipeline in parallel with the existing pipeline, outside of the immediate embankment area. Once this new pipeline is operational, the existing pipeline would be decommissioned.

"This means there would be no impact on gas supply while the work takes place. 

"Our teams have been planning this work for some time, consulting with many agencies to consider a range of subjects from local ecology to availability of land.

"Efforts to fully agree voluntary and rights negotiations haven’t successfully concluded, resulting in concerns of delays in completing this essential project and has resulted in the compulsory purchase order.

On July 25 2023, Cadent made a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to ensure it can acquire land rights to deliver the new pipeline. Cadent said it had positively engaged with all landowners involved and continues to do so.

Cadent says it made the CPO to give it certainty that it can deliver the project within the timescales needed to protect supply. 

To find out more about the new gas pipeline, visit Cadent's website. The deadline for comments and objections to Ulverston Town Council is August 31.